Winemaker Notes
In 2021 Arnot-Roberts decided to make a wine inspired by old-school California Cabernet-based blends.They were fortunate to secure old vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the historic Massa Vineyard, perched 1300' above the Carmel Valley, the first planting in the AVA. They were also honored to work with Cabernet from the historic Bedrock vineyard, owned and farmed by Morgan Twain-Peterson in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Cabernet also came from the Gordenker Vineyard, growing in the volcanic red clay loam of Sonoma Valley’s Moon Mountain District. The Cabernet Franc comes from Persia Vineyard, located in the volcanic cobble of the Chalk Hill AVA.
All the sites were harvested and vinified separately. The fruit was destemmed and fermented using native yeasts, then blended and aged in 50% concrete tank and 50% neutral French oak barrels for 10 months. The resulting wine is 12.5% alcohol and is vibrantly aromatic, supported by punchy fruit and fresh acidity. They crafted this wine to pair well with food and be ready to drink upon release but also see that it has strong potential for positive development with some time in the bottle.
Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Red Wine California is a new Bordeaux-based red wine that Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts made initially to take the place of the 2020 Cabernets that would have been released around this time but were compromised by smoke. The Red Wine was initially intended to be a fun project, but Arnot and Roberts may have stumbled into what is really a pretty serious red with real potential. The 2021 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon (Massa, Bedrock and Gordenker), 20% Cabernet Franc (Persia) and 20% Merlot (Massa). A powerful, old-school wine, the 2021 is going to need a few years to shed some tannin. I loved it.
Rating: 95+
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!